Beat the vaccination rush

Residents are still probably thinking more about sunscreen than seasonal flu, but public health officials say now is an ideal time to get vaccinated for protection through winter and spring.

Last year's flu season peaked early and was “moderately severe,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As illness spread, local demand for flu shots spiked in January, particularly as some Eastern states declared states of emergency.

For the 2013-14 season, between 135 million and 139 million doses of vaccine are being produced, with doses already available at commercial pharmacies and some medical clinics.

Here are some common questions and answers about the flu and vaccine:

Q. Who should get vaccinated?

A. Everyone age 6 months and older, according to the CDC.

Q. I'm an older adult. Should I get the high-dose vaccine for those 65 and older?

A. The vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009 because immune defenses weaken with age. Studies are underway on whether the vaccine provides greater protection.

Q. Can the vaccine make me sick?

A. No. The vaccine can't give you the flu, the CDC says. The most common side effects from the shot are a sore arm and possibly a slight fever or achiness. If you get the nasal spray, which uses a weakened live virus, you could get congestion, sore throat or a runny nose.

Q. How effective is the vaccine?

A. It takes about two weeks to develop immunity, which can vary widely, based in part on a person's age and health. The vaccine works best for young, healthy adults and older children. People with certain chronic illnesses might develop less immunity.

Q. How is the flu vaccine developed each year?

A. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to target what viruses researchers estimate will circulate that season. The calculation includes monitoring of flu activity around the world. The World Health Organization recommends specific vaccine viruses, but each country makes its own decision. In the U.S., the FDA determines what viruses will be included.

Q.How does flu spread?

A. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets sprayed when sick people cough, sneeze or talk. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are as far as 6 feet away. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it.

Q. When should I get vaccinated?

A. The CDC says to get a flu shot in September when vaccine first becomes available but ideally by October.

Q. How can I find a place to get vaccinated?

A. Contact your doctor or local pharmacy. The city of Long Beach started its free flu-shot clinics recently and will provide the vaccines through December. A vaccine finder is also available at flushot.healthmap.org

Q. How can I prevent spread of the flu?

A. People should frequently wash their hands, cover their coughs and stay home when sick.